Tamil Nadu destinations

Babuji Memorial Ashram in Chennai

There's a lot to see and do in Tamil Nadu - where to start? How about this list of 10 wonderful places? You won't go wrong with these popular tourist attractions.

Babuji Memorial Ashram

Located in Manapakkam, Chennai, this wonderful Ashram attracts seekers from all over the world. The serene meditation hall is famous for its simple yet wonderful architecture. Inspiring architecture and the beauty of nature complement each other at Babuji Memorial Ashram.

Here you can learn relaxation technique, meditation and more. I have visited this Ashram alone and with my family many times. The atmosphere inside the Ashram, which is also known as SRCM Manapakkam Ashram, is special.

Chennai is well-connected by air, rail and road. Prepaid cabs are available from the airport to the Ashram. If you are travelling by train, you will arrive either at the Chennai Central station or at the Egmore station.

Suburban railways are available from Park station (which is opposite Chennai Central) to Guindy and from Egmore station to Guindy. You can take a cab, autorickshaw or bus from Guindy to the Ashram. Bus numbers 54RR and 54B stop at the gate of the Ashram.

Babuji Memorial Ashram

Babuji Memorial Ashram Chennai Address

Babuji Memorial Ashram

Shri Ram Chandra Mission Road,

Manapakkam,

Chennai - 600 125

Phone #: +91 44 4217 1111/ 2252 1099

Center of Light.

— Shiva Shankar

Meenakshi Temple

Also known as the Meenakshi Amman Temple and Minakshi - Sundareshwara Temple, this historic Hindu temple is located on the south bank of River Vaigai in Madurai.

This large temple is dedicated to Sundareswar (a form of Lord Shiva) and Meenakshi (a form of Goddess Parvati). Sundareswar means "the beautiful lord" and Meenakshi means "the fish-eyed goddess".

If Tamil Nadu is the seat of South Indian temple architecture, the square-shaped Dravidian-style Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is its crowning glory.

The temple complex covers an area of around 45 acres. The 14 colorful gopurams (gateway towers) of this wonderful temple are covered with bright carvings of Hindu gods.

This temple is open from 5.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm. More than a million devotees attend the annual 10 day Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, which is celebrated during April–May.

Madurai is the third largest city in Tamil Nadu. It is well-connected by air, rail and road. The temple is at the heart of the city and can be easily reached by cab, auto rickshaw or bus.

Brihadishvara Temple

Also known as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyr and Brihadeeswarar Temple, this Hindu temple in Thanjavur is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The large temple complex covers an area of around 102,400 square meters.

This more than 1,000 year old temple is an excellent example of the Tamizhan architecture from the Chola period. This magnificent temple of phenomenal beauty and proportion is the first complete granite temple in the world. Around 60,000 tons of granite was used to build the temple. It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola in 1010 AD. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lingam inside the temple is 3.7 meters tall. The temple tower, which is the tallest in the world, is around 66 meters. The bulbous structure on the top of the temple weighs around 80 tons. It is carved out of a single rock.

Each wall of the temple and the surrounding architecture are filled to the brim with carvings and paintings depicting the rich history of art, culture, mythology and science of the era.

Visit the temple at the time of the Hindu month of Visakha or May month according to the English calendar. This is when the annual festival of the temple is celebrated for a span of 9 days, starting from Satabhisha star day.

Tiruchirapalli International Airport, which is around 60 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Thanjavur is well-connected by rail and road. The temple is open from 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm.

Brihadeshwara Temple Timings

Opening	Closing
6.00 am	12.30 pm
4.00 pm	8.30 pm

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples, is located in Rameswaram. This Dravidian style temple is famously known as the "Temple of 1,000 Pillars". The main tower or rajagopuram is 53 meters tall.

Madurai Airport, which is around 180 kilometers, is the nearest airport to Rameswaram. From Madurai you can reach the town by train, bus or cab. Rameswaram is well-connected by rail and road.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial

Located in Vavathurai, Kanyakumari, this monument was built in 1970 in honour of Swami Vivekananda, the spiritual teacher, prophet and patriot-monk of modern India. He is said to have attained enlightenment on the rock. It was on this rock that he meditated before leaving for Chicago to address the World Religious Conference in 1892.

The architectural style of the monument, which is a unique symbol of unity and purity, is a blend of conventional and modern styles. The entrance is inspired by the Ajanta and Ellora cave temples.

Inside the main hall is a life-size statue of Swamiji. Shripada Mandapam (with a study hall and a museum) and the Vivekananda Mandapam add to the spiritual significance and purity of the memorial.

Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 100 kilometers, is the nearest airport. Kanyakumari is well-connected by rail and road. You need to take a ferry from the mainland to the monument, which is open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Trivia

It took 2,081 working days to build Vivekananda Rock Memorial.

Vivekananda Rock Memorial Timings

Opening	Closing
7.00 am	5.00 pm

Mudumalai National Park

Mudumalai National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is also a declared tiger reserve. It is in the northwest part of the Nilgiri Hills. It houses endangered species like Bengal tiger (around 50), long billed vulture, white-rumped vulture, Indian leopard and Indian elephant (more than 2,000).

The park is open throughout the year. There are three types of safari:

1. Jungle Safari – twice daily; duration: two hours.
2. Road Safari – twice daily; duration: two hours.
3. Elephant Safari – only in the morning; duration: 40 minutes

Mudumalai National Park Safari Timings:

6.00 am to 8.00 am and 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

The region has tropical wet climate, so visit during early summer months or just after the monsoons. The reserve straddles the Ooty -Mysore interstate national highway, roughly midway between the two cities. It is accessible by bus or cab.

This is a perfect place to see wild animals. I have been here thrice since 2008 and every time I came here I loved it.

— Atul Shirodkar

Why Bengaluru Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

Glass House in Lalbagh

Wikimedia Commons | 

From the peace-loving people thronging to the beautiful parks of the garden city of India to various attractions and experiences unique to the lovely city, Bengaluru serves as the perfect introduction to travellers seeking to get a feel of the great country, India.

Nature Lovers' Heaven

Parks and gardens in Bengaluru are lush green, full of trees, plants and flowers. Locals use these these lung spaces for their morning walk, jogging and exercise.

Visit to Bengaluru is incomplete without seeing the botanical garden Lalbagh and the landmark lung area Cubbon Park. Parks and gardens are aplenty in the Karnataka capital, giving the city its unique beauty. Here are some of the popular parks and gardens to visit:

Lalbagh

Located in Southwest Bengaluru, Lalbagh houses India's largest collection of tropical plants and trees. This haven for nature lovers covers an area of around 240 acres. It has 673 genera and1,854 species of plants.

Exotic species include Agathis sp., Amherstia nobilis, Araucaria sp., Averrhoa bilimbi, Bambusa sp., Bixa orellana, Brownea grandiceps, Castanospermum australe, Cola acuminata, Corypha umbraculifera, Couroupita guianensis, Cupressus sp., Eriobotrya japonica, Magnolia sp., and Swietenia mahagoni.

Artocarpus heterophyllus, Bombax ceiba, Butea monosperma, Cassia fistula , Dillenia indica, Ficus sp., Lagerstromia speciosa, Michelia champaca and Mesua ferrea are some indigenous species in Lalbagh, which is a pendant in the necklace of the city's gardens and parks.

Lalbagh is internationally renowned centre for botanical artwork, scientific study of plants and also conservation of plants. Various birds, including myna, parakeets, crows, brahminy kite, pond heron, common egret and purple moor hen have made this expansive garden their home. Lalbagh has well-laid out roads, paths, open spaces and shade.

Lalbagh rock (which is more than 3,000 years old), Glass House (which is inspired by Crystal Palace in London), Floral Clock, topiary park, 20-million-year-old coniferous tree fossil, lake, bandstand, Statue of Sri Chamaraja Wodeyar and Kempegowda Tower are the main attractions in Lalbagh. You will also find various stalls selling seeds, gardening equipment, flowers, plants, natural fruit juice, sweets, snacks and Vetiver handcrafts.

Lalbagh can be easily reached by Metro, BMTC bus, auto rickshaw and cab. Vehicles are allowed only through the East gate. The garden offers ample parking space. Try to visit Lalbagh in the early morning. You will enjoy the bird chorus. Take care not to disturb beehives.

Trishal Residency Hotel, City Crown Lodge, Hotel T A P Gold Crest, Hotel Sabharwal Viceroy, Hotel Raaj Residency and Hotel Nandhini Minerva Circle are top rated places to stay near Lalbagh.

Flowers in Lalbagh

Wikimedia Commons

Lalbagh Bangalore Timings

Opening	Closing
6.00 am	6.00 pm

Cubbon Park

Cubbon Park is officially known as Sri. Chamarajendra Park. This historical park was originally created in 1870 by the British Chief Engineer of Mysore, Major General Richard Shankey. It is spread over an area of around 1.2 square kilometers and is a major lung space in Bengaluru. It is located at the heart of the city.

Cubbon Park is a pleasant blend of natural and man-made sites. It houses around 68 genera and 96 species, with a total of around 6000 plants/trees growing in its locale.

Indigenous species such as Artocarpus, Cassia fistula, Ficus, Polyalthias etc., and exotic species such as Araucaria, Bamboo, Castanospermum australe, Grevillea robusta, Milletia, Peltophorum Schinus molle, Swietenina mahagoni, Tabebuia sp. etc., have made this park their home.

Multicoloured exotic floral beds line the park's various avenues. The avenue of Araucarias along with Canna beds on either sides of the road from the Library to Hudson circle is beautiful. The park's landscape integrates natural rock outcrops with thickets of trees; massive bamboos, with grassy expanse and flowerbeds.

The Bangalore Aquarium (the second largest aquarium in India), Cubbon Park Museum, Central Public Library, Jawahar Bal Bhavan (well-known for its toy train), Sir M Vishweshwariah Industrial and Technological Museum, lotus pond, Ringwood Circle, the bamboo groove nook, Dancing Fountain, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Sheshadri Iyer Memorial Park are among the main attractions in and around Cubbon Park.

You will find statues of famous people like Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, Major General Sir Mark Cubbon, Rajya Dhurandhara Sir K. Sheshadri Iyer and Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar here.

Cubbon Park is open all the time. It has been declared a silent zone between 5.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. It is accessible from M.G. Road, Kasturba road, Hudson Circle, and Ambedkar Veedhi. You can reach the park by BMTC bus, metro, cab and auto rickshaw.

Java Pink Cassia in Cubbon Park

Wikimedia Commons

JP Park, M N Krishna Rao Park, Turahalli Forest, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Bugle Rock Park, Banagiri Park and Ranadheera Kanteerava Park are among many popular parks and gardens in Bengaluru.

A Child's Delight

Trip to Bengaluru can be an enriching and entertaining experience to your children. The city offers many opportunities to have fun and learn.

Bannerghatta National Park

Founded in 1970, this park is a treat to children. It includes Zoo, Safari, Butterfly Park and Rescue Center. It covers an area of around 104.27 square kilometers.

Zoo is open between 9.30 am and 5.00 pm. I have fond memories of this park. I have visited here many times with my family. My son enjoys each and every moment he spends here.

The park houses tigers, lions, Thamin deer, hog deer, king cobra, Himalayan black bear, Malabar giant squirrel. elephant, gaur, leopard, jackal, fox, wild pig, sambar, chital, spotted deer, barking deer, common langur, bonnet macaque, porcupine, hare, pangolin, slender loris, cobras, pythons, kraits and Russell vipers

Bannerghatta National Park is around 22 kilometers from the city; in fact it is one among the few places in the world where wilderness is preserved so close to a big city. You can reach the park by BMTC bus or cab. It is closed on Tuesdays.

Bannerghatta National Park Tickets

	Adults	Children Aged between 6 and 12 years	Senior citizen 60 years above	Foreigners (Non-SAARC countries)
Weekdays
Zoo	₹80	₹40	₹50	Adults: ₹400/-; Children: ₹300/-
Butterfly Park	₹30	₹20	₹20
Grand Safari (through normal bus) (Tiger , Lion, Bear & Herbivore Safari) + Zoo	₹260	₹130	₹150
Weekends and Government Holidays
Zoo	₹80	₹40	₹50	Adults: ₹400/-; Children: ₹300/-
Butterfly Park	₹30	₹20	₹20
Grand Safari (through normal bus) (Tiger , Lion, Bear & Herbivore Safari) + Zoo	₹280	₹140	₹150

Wonderla

This loud, crazy and charming amusement park is located in Mysore Road. It covers an area of around 82 acres and is famous for its 60+ exciting rides. Many say that it is the largest amusement park in India. It houses the largest indoor musical fountain and laser show in the country.

While here, you should definitely not miss Jungle Lagoon, Lazy River, Boomerang, Harakiri, Fun Racers, Uphill Racers, Banded Kraits, Twisters, Water Pendulum, Rain Disco, Wave Pools, Play Pools and Wavy, Vertical Fall, XD MAX, Cinemagic 3D, Musical Fountain and Laser Show, Hang Glider, Pirate Ship, Net Walk, Wonder Splash, Techno Jump, Sky Wheel, Toon Tango, Termite Coaster and Train, Dungeon Ride, Crazy Car, Crazy Wagon, Flash Tower, Equinox, Insanity, Hurricane, Y-Scream, Maverick, Mixer, Drop Zone, Wonderla Bamba, Magic Mushroom, Mini Venice, Mini Pirate Ship, Merry Ghost, Kiddies Wheel, Mini Express, Moon Walker, Jumping Frog, Flying Jumbo, Lion Swing, Funky Monkey, Carousel and Convoy.

You can reach Wonderla, which is around 28 kilometers from the center of the city, by BMTC bus, train, cab or auto rickshaw. There is enough parking space for cars and two wheelers. The park is open between 11.00 am and 6.00 pm on weekdays; and 11.00 am and 7.00 pm on weekends.

Wonderla Timings

The park is open between 11.00 am and 6.00 pm on weekdays; and 11.00 am and 7.00 pm on weekends.

Lalbagh, Cubbon Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Lumbini Gardens, Dodda Alada Mara, Basavanagudi Temple, Innovative Film City, Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum and Bugle Rock Park are the main attractions for children in the city.

Art Lovers' Paradise

Art galleries in Bengaluru showcase everything, from contemporary Indian art to dust sculptors. They have the ability to continually challenge the way things have been done in the past, whether through a reinvention of what is done within gallery walls or what is created outside of them, supporting new artists, and embracing the expansion of existing and new mediums.

National Gallery of Modern Art, Coral Art Gallery, Gallery Sumukha, Crimson Art Gallery, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath are some well-known art galleries in Bengaluru.

The city does not disappoint people who love the thrill of theatre and live drama. Ranga Shankara, Atta Galatta, Jagriti Theatre, Ravindra Kalakshetra and Alliance Francaise De Bangalore are among popular theater spaces in Bengaluru.

National Gallery of Modern Art

The National Gallery of Modern Art, which was inaugurated in 2009, displays paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore and many modern artists. It houses over 500 exhibits.

Located in Palace Road, this popular art gallery covers an area of around 3.5 acres. It is a repository of the cultural ethos of India. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, graphic prints and examples of early photography in India.

This world-class art gallery has an auditorium, a public art reference library, a cafeteria, and a museum shop cum facilitation block. It blends modern functionality with the elegance of the past.

The building is surrounded by trees, fountains and a mirror pool. It has an Old Wing and a New Wing, which are interconnected by a walk bridge. You can reach the art gallery by metro, BMTC bus, cab or auto rickshaw. It is open between 10.00 am and 5.00 pm.

Coral Art Gallery, Gallery Sumukha, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath, Crimson Art Gallery, Mahua, Venkatappa Art Gallery and Abstract Art Gallery are other popular art galleries in the city. 

Ranga Shankara

Located in J P Nagar, 2nd Phase, this theater is dedicated to showcasing theatrical performances from India and abroad, to producing and commissioning new and innovative theater forms and productions, and facilitating outreach programmes to build audiences for theater and to impart theater skills.

Ranga Shankara was opened in the year 2004. The floor area of the auditorium is around 1,750 sq ft. It can seat 320 people. You can reach the theater by BMTC bus, cab or auto rickshaw. It is closed on Mondays.

Bangalore School of Speech And Drama, Jagriti Theater, Yours Truly Theater, Alliance Française de Bangalore and KH Kala Soudha are other popular theaters in Bengaluru.

Awaken the Scientist in You

Bengaluru does not disappoint science nerds. It houses many science museums that feature incredible exhibits.

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

This museum was established in memory of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya. It is located in Kasturba Road, near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Opened in 1962, it houses many scientific experiments and engines.

The museum has seven permanent exhibition galleries: Engine Hall, Fun Science, Electrotechnic, Space – Emerging Technology in the Service of Mankind, Biotechnological Revolution, BEL Hall of Electronics and Children Science. Dinosaur Corner, a 1:1 scale replica of the Wright Brothers’ Flyer “Kitty Hawk” and Science on a Sphere are among the main attractions in the museum.

The museum is open between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm. It is accessible by metro, BMTC bus (route numbers: 150, 154, 155, 291, 293 & 294C), cab or auto rickshaw. You may call 91-080-22866200 for more information regarding the museum.

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum Ticket

General visitors	₹50
Organised school groups	₹25
Organised govt./municipal school groups	₹10

HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum

Established in 2001, the HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum is the first of its kind in India. It features photographs and models that trace aviation and aeronautics history.

Located in Marathahalli, this museum is spread over 4 acres of lush green land. Engines like Garret (Dornier), Adour (Jaguar) and Orpheus (Kiran) are among main attractions of the museum.

You can reach the museum by BMTC bus, cab and auto rickshaw. It is open between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.

Answer Your Inner Calling

In this competitive, stressful world, between the craziness of family, profession and life, we, human beings need time and place to meditate. Bengaluru houses some world-class meditation centers.

Heartfulness Meditation Center

Also known as Param Dham Ashram, this Heartfulness Meditation Center is ideal for those who seek to refine themselves, to evolve, to grow spiritually. It was inaugurated by Raja Yoga Master Shri Parthasarathi Rajagopalachari. Here you can learn immensely useful techniques like relaxation technique, meditation and cleaning.

Param Dham Ashram is one among the many Heartfulness Meditation Centers in the city. It is located in South East Bengaluru. You can reach here by BMTC bus, cab and auto rickshaw.

Shri Ram Chandra Mission

This non-profit organization, which was founded in 1945 by Shri Ram Chandra of Shahajanpur, in honor of his spiritual teacher and guide, Shri Ram Chandra of Fatehgarh, offers you techniques to relax, rejuvenate and evolve.

The Mission is formally associated with the United Nations Department of Public Information (UN DPI) as an international non-governmental organisation. SRCM and the UN share a common goal of peace, human integration and harmony, and thus SRCM’s objectives fulfil the principles outlined in the UN Charter.

Shri Ram Chandra Mission is located in Banashankari 2nd Stage. It is easily accessible by BMTC bus, cab and auto rickshaw. There is no entrance fee.

The Art of Living International Centre, Dhamma Paphulla Vipassana Meditation & Research Centre and Isha Yoga Center are other popular meditation centers in Bengaluru.

Food Lovers' Nirvana

A delicious meal at an outstanding restaurant is an immensely satisfying experience. Bengaluru offers you many such experiences because it has top-class restaurants that are worth your time - and hard-earned cash.

Alto Vino

Located in Whitefield, this warm and inviting contemporary Italian restaurant is well-known for its tiramisu, baked salmon, chicken pasta, ravioli, quinoa salad, spaghetti and chocolate mousse.

The restaurant is open between 6.30 pm and 11.00 pm. It is easily accessible by BMTC bus, cab and auto rickshaw. Cost for two people is ₹3,000.

Ssaffron, K & K, The Raj Pavilion, MCafe, Yataii, Bene, JW Kitchen, Citrus at the Leela Palace Bangalore, Karavalli and Edo - Japanese Restaurant and Bar are other fine dining restaurants in Bengaluru.

Time Traveller

Time Traveller is located in Bommasandra Industrial Area, this air conditioned restaurant is well-known for its vegetarian spread of Continental, Chinese & North Indian dishes. It is open between 7.00 am and 10.00 am, 12.00 pm and 3.30 pm, and 7.00 pm and 10.30 pm. You can reach the restaurant by BMTC bus, cab and auto rickshaw.

If you want to enjoy local delicacies, you need to visit Upahara Darshini in Basavanagudi. It is open between 7.00 am and 1.00 pm, and 4.30 and 10.00 pm.

Brahmin's Coffee Bar, Shri Sagar (C.T.R), Taaza Thindi, Vidyarthi Bhavan, Veena Store, Kota Kachori, Food Street and Kaapi Katte are among popular cheap eats in the city.

Bengaluru houses many moderately priced restaurants, including The Druid Garden, Toit, MTR - Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, Nagarjuna, The Permit Room and Mango Trees.

7 Top-Rated Tourist Places in Karnataka

Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, the Capital of Karnataka

Source

Karnataka is located in southwest part of India. Bengaluru, one of India's most progressive and developed cities, is the capital of Karnataka. More than 61 million people live in this wonderful state, which covers an area of around 191,976 square kilometers.

How to Reach Karnataka?

Karnataka has two international airports: Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru and Mangaluru Airport in Mangaluru. All cities, towns and villages in the state are well-connected by rail and road.

Popular Tourist Destinations in Karnataka

Chennakeshava Temple

Located in Belur, this marvellous temple was commissioned by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 AD. This well-maintained temple is an excellent example of Hoysala architecture. This wonderful monument is recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The 37 meter tall temple was built with soapstone. Entry into the temple complex is via a seven-storey gopuram (monumental tower), which can be seen well in advance of arrival.

The outer walls are adorned with fine sculptures. This temple is well-known for its minute and intricate carvings and sculptures with metal like polishing. There are 48 carved and decorated pillars.

The temple is dedicated to lord Vijayanarayana, one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu. In the cella stands a cult-image of Vishnu, an extremely large one, bearing (clockwise) a wheel (cakra), a mace (gada), a lotus (padma) and a conch (shankha).

Soon after winning a war in 1104, Vishnuvardhana took up the construction of the temple, and according to an inscription, the temple was ready by March 1117.

— Srivatsa Vati, a historian and an expert in Hoysala architecture

Belur Chennakeshava Temple Timings

7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

Mysore Zoo

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, which is popularly known as Mysore Zoo, was established in 1892 by Sri Chamarajendra Wodeyar. This 157-acre-zoo houses more than 1,300 animals, belonging to around 168 species.

Mysore Zoo Animals List

It is the only Indian zoo that has all three species of rhino (white, black and Indian rhino). You will also see tiger, lion, brown bear, sloth bear, brown lemur, Nilgiri langur, chimpanzee, orangutan, the Himalayan bear and many more.

It is among the few zoological gardens in India to exhibit African elephants, and the only zoo to breed them. It was the first zoo in India to house gorilla and penguin.

One special feature of this zoo is its meticulous planning. It has successfully created natural habitat for animals, thereby enabling them to feel at home. More than 2 million people visit Mysore Zoo annually. The zoo is closed on Tuesdays.

Bengal Tiger in Mysore Zoo

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Mysore Zoo Tickets

Adult	₹60 (weekdays); ₹80 (weekends and holidays)
Child	₹30 (weekdays); ₹40 (weekends and holidays)

Mysore Palace

Mysore is known as the 'City of Palaces' and Mysore Palace is the grandest of seven other palaces in the city. Also known as Amba Vilas Palace, this palace is located at the heart of the city.

This sprawling palace is the official residence of the Wodeyars, the royal family who ruled the Mysore princely state between 1399 and 1950. More than 3 million tourists visit this palace annually.

The palace was originally built in the 14th century by Yaduraya Wodeyar, but has undergone many renovations since then. In fact original palace which was built of wood got burnt down in 1897 during the wedding of Jayalakshammanni, the eldest daughter of Chamaraja Wodeyar.

The palace we see now was commissioned by Krishnarajendra Wadiyar IV, who was conferred with the title "Rajarishi" (saintly king) by Mahatma Gandhi. It was designed by Henry Irwin and cost around $65,000, a huge amount in those days.

Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of India, this magnificent palace is built in Indo-Saracenic style with domes, turrets, arches and colonnades. A sculpture of the goddess of good luck, prosperity and wealth, Gajalakshmi, with her elephants, is seated atop the central arch.

The palace is basically a three storied structure with a 44 meter (145 feet) central tower. Pinkish marble domes adorn the number of towers configured in perfect symmetry.

The interiors of the palace are replete with exquisitely carved doors, delicate chandeliers, expansive pavilions, exquisite stained glass ceilings and decorative frescoes depicting scenes from great Indian epics. This palace is renowned for its light and sound show, and Dussehra celebrations.

Trivia

The Kalyana Mantapa in the palace is a grand, octagonal-shaped pavilion with a multi-hued stained glass ceiling. Here you will find peacock motifs arranged in geometrical patterns. The entire structure was wrought in Glasgow, Scotland.

Source

Mysore Palace Timings

Opening	Closing
10.00 am	5.30 pm

Vittala Temple

Vittala temple is the epicenter of Hampi's attractions. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in 15th century in Dravidian architectural style. The temple complex houses many temples, enclosures, pavilions and halls.

Known for its excellent architecture and superb craftsmanship, this ancient temple is located in Hampi. Stone chariot and music pillars are major attractions of this iconic temple.

The inner sanctum does not have any idol. A narrow and unlit passageway encircles the inner sanctum. A few steps on either sides of the sanctum’s main door give access to this passage.

The outer walls of the sanctum, which you can see from this passageway, is richly decorated with Kumbha-Pankajas (motif depicting lotus flowers flowing out of pots).

Stone Chariot

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Vittala Temple Photo

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Wonderla

Located around 28 kilometers from Bengaluru, this amusement park is a world of breath-taking charm. It offers more than 60 exhilarating rides.

Wonderla was ranked 1st in India and 7th best in Asia by Tripadvisor for 2014, the highest for any Amusement park in India.

Wikimedia Commons | Source

Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

I have visited this museum many times with my son. Located in Kasturba Road (near Chinna Swamy Stadium) in Bengaluru, this museum was established in memory of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya.

The museum has a built up area of around 4,000 square meters. It has seven permanent exhibition galleries: Engine Hall, Fun Science, Electrotechnic, Space – Emerging Technology in the Service of Mankind, Biotechnological Revolution, BEL Hall of Electronics and Children Science.

The museum is open between 10.00 am and 6.00 pm on all days of the year except Ganesha Chathurthi and Deepavali. It is accessible by metro, bus, auto rickshaw and cab.

Dubare Elephant Camp

This camp houses many elephants, which are trained by naturalists. A trained naturalist will be at hand to explain various aspects of elephant history, ecology and biology.

Here, you can not only observe and learn, but also participate in various activities involving elephants. This camp gives you an excellent opportunity to experience the gentle countenance of these wonderful mammals.